Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. On this day, people thank God for
a bountiful harvest. They prepare a special dish called 'Sarkkarai Pongal' and
pray for the blessings of Sun God. One of the most popular Tamil festivals, it
is celebrated on January 14th every year, when it coincides with Makar Sankranti
celebrations in entire North India, Lohri in Punjab, Bhogali Bihu in Assam and
Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the very few Dravidian festivals that have
survived the Indo-Aryan influences. Pongal also finds little reference in
Puranas.
Falling just after the winter solstice and a bountiful harvest, Pongal marks the
season of celebration and joyous activities and it is celebrated continuously
for four days. On the first day, Bhogi Pongal, celebrations are confined to the
house. Evil spirits are driven out of the home and burnt in bonfires, and the
house is whitewashed. The second day, Surya Pongal, honors the Sun god. Members
of the family wear new clothes and cook - on a new stove and in new pots - a
dish with the newly harvested rice, jaggery and moong dal.
The third day is Maattu Pongal, honoring cattle. Cows and bullocks are washed,
decorated and worshipped, for their role in ensuring a good harvest. Pongal also
marks the beginning of a New Year and is the day to praise and thank God with
full devotion, faith and sincerity of heart. The festival covers all living
beings including humans, cattle and birds and crops. Even the insects are not
overlooked and offered rice and flour, in the form of 'Kollam', on the entrance
way of the houses. Thus, Pongal is a day for peace and happiness for all. |
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